The 13-year-old chimpanzee CJ got out of its enclosure and ran into a Las Vegas neighborhood twice in about four weeks in the summer of 2012.

By ED VOGELLAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY — A bill to outlaw the private ownership of chimpanzees, lions, bears and other potentially dangerous animals and reptiles was introduced as promised Wednesday by Sen. Michael Roberson.

Roberson, the Republican minority leader from Las Vegas, introduced Senate Bill 245 in the wake of two escapes last year of a chimp named CJ from an enclosure in northwest Las Vegas. Buddy, her mate, was killed by police when he “aggressively approached” onlookers during the first escape.

No people were hurt in the escapes, but police removed CJ from her owners after the second escape.

The chimps are owned by Timmi DeRosa and Nikki Grusenmeyers. DeRosa is a longtime exotic animal owner and trainer, who alleged that an animal- rights activist let her chimp loose in the second escape.

After the second escape, Roberson decided to draw up a bill to prohibit ownership of potentially dangerous animals. He said he was worried about a child being injured or killed and questioned why anyone would keep a dangerous animal.

“We are not telling people they cannot have animals they already have, but joining 43 other states who have these regulations,” Roberson said.

“This is a safety issue, No. 1, and also an (instrument) on how exotic animals should be treated. You shouldn’t have these animals locked up in a basement of a home. It is cruel to the animals and very unsafe to the people who live in the neighborhood.”